SFCS Weekly Howl - 2.19.24
SFCS celebrates 27 Years of Growing Together in Faith & Knowledge
Dear SFCS Parents & Friends,
Another busy week in the books for our students, faculty, and staff at SFCS!
Valentine's Day love was all around us and we began preparing our hearts for the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday Mass. The students in 5th grade enjoyed a day of learning on a field trip to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, led by Mrs. Brewster. Our Middle School students kicked off their House competition season with a dodgeball tournament which will continue this week. The competitions will continue throughout the semester and rotate between athletic, academic "Jeopardy", and religion trivia. The first-place winners of each competition will earn 50 points for their House, while the second-place winners will earn 25 points toward the House Trophy Cup. It was exciting to watch the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders come together in their House communities to strategize, compete, and cheer each other on. On Friday, our faculty participated in a spiritual development day during an Alpha Retreat, (see feature below) while students had an asynchronous remote learning day.
Thank you to all who attended the monthly School Family Mass on Sunday. It was a beautiful celebration led by Fr. Ray.
We have two important meetings this week for our middle school families. On Wednesday, there will be a meeting for parents whose student will be travelling to Washington, DC in April. On Thursday, there will be a Spring Sports meeting for parents. Please see the information below.
Finally, please be in prayer for our basketball teams as they travel on Friday to the Diocesan Basketball tournament at St. Mary's in Greenville, for a weekend of tournament play. Best of luck to our mighty Wolves!
Wishing you a peace-filled week of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Blessings,
Andrea
Andrea Smith, M.Ed., LPC, NCC
Principal
SFCS FACULTY PARTICIPATES IN THE ALPHA RETREAT
At SFCS, the spiritual growth of our faculty is just as important as academic and professional excellence. On Friday, our faculty participated in an Alpha Retreat hosted by the St. Francis By the Sea Religious Education Department. It was a full day of prayer, discussion, and learning, for self-growth and to better serve our school community. It was a wonderful day!
WASHINGTON, DC TRIP PARENT MEETING - Wednesday, 2/21
There will be an important meeting for all parents of students travelling to Washington, DC, on February 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the SFCS Library.
SPRING SPORTS PARENT MEETING - Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
There will be a meeting this Thursday, February 22, for parents of students (5th - 8th grades) who signed up to play Girls' Soccer, Golf, or Baseball, during the spring. The meeting will be held in the gym at 6:00 p.m.
RE-ENROLLMENT for the 2024.25 Academic Year
Re-enrollment for 2024-25 school year is open! Current families may begin their enrollment process for their student(s) now through February 29. We look forward to welcoming back each student in our Wolf family! Please contact the school office for more information. (843) 681-6501.
Enrollment for new families will begin on March 1.
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK!
Don't forget to order your student's 2023.24 yearbook! The cost of the yearbook without personalization is $20. To purchase, visit this link: Balfour and follow these steps:
1. Once you click on the link, go to Yearbooks
2. Buy your yearbooks
3. Enter the school - "St Francis Catholic School"
4. Click on our school
5. Enter your child's name and grade
6. Choose your package
7. Then click "Get Started"
8. Complete the teacher's name or homeroom teacher's name
9. Customize your yearbook by selecting icons, if you choose, this is optional.
10. Add to Cart and pay by credit card
Please contact the School Office with any questions.
NO SCHOOL - Bishops Retreat for Faculty - March 1
On Friday, March 1, there will be no school for students while faculty attend the Bishop's Retreat in Charleston.
EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND SCHOLARSHIP
On May 5, 2023, Governor Henry McMaster signed the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act into law. This new ESA program—modeled after similar programs around the country—allows qualifying South Carolina parents to apply for a scholarship worth $6,000. These scholarships may be used to create a customized, flexible education for families who qualify. To apply using your FACTS account, click on the following link:
Welcome to Grant & Aid (factsmgt.com)
The deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.
Rev. Monsignor Martin T. Laughlin Scholarship
The Women of St. Francis has announced application for the Rev. Monsignor Martin T. Laughlin Scholarship for 2024.25 is now open! Applications are available in the School Office and must be submitted no later than March 22, 2024. Recipients of this scholarship will receive $1000 and will be notified on or before April 22, 2024.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tuition Assistance Grant
The Diocese of Charleston has announced the application process for the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tuition Assistance Grant for 2024.25 is now open! Applications are available in the School Office and must be completed and returned no later than March 15 to Mrs. Smith as signatures from both the Principal and Pastor are required. The Diocese must receive all applications in Charleston no later than March 27, 2024.
**FOR INFORMATION ON ATHLETICS, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE ATHLETICS SECTION. Due to changes impacting practice or competitions that may occur, please be sure you follow the email communication you receive from the coaches. That information will be the most current. **
February 19 - Presidents' Day - No School
February 20 - Bake Club - 3:15 p.m.
February 21 - First Reconciliation - 2nd Grade
6:00 p.m. - DC Parent Meeting - Library
February 22 - 6:00 p.m. - Spring Sports Parent Meeting - Gym
February 23 - 25 - Diocesan Basketball Tournament
February 27 - Bake Club - 3:15 p.m.
March 1 - Bishop's Retreat for Faculty - No School
Summer Camp 2024 Sign Ups!
The sign up for Summer Camp 2024 has been included in re-enrollment packets. Summer Camp will be is open for students who will be in the 2nd - 8th grades during the 2024.25 academic year. If you need another Summer Camp registration, please contact the School Office.
WEEKLY SCHOOL MASS - SIGN UP FOR USHERS/GREETERS
We would love to have you serve as an usher/greeter at our Weekly School Mass,. We have two slots available each week. Please click on the link below to reserve your date/time for the remaining school year during January - May 2024. We are grateful for your gift of time.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FA4AC2BA3FACE9-46679241-weekly
MONTHLY SCHOOL FAMILY MASS DATES
March 17, 2024
April 21, 2024
May 19, 2024
Monthly School Mass - February 18, 2024
We are so grateful to Mrs. Sweeney and Mrs. Wolf for directing our Childrens' choir during the monthly school family Mass. Students in all grades may participate in the Childrens' choir.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS - TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Are you new to SFCS or have free time and are searching for ways to get involved at SFCS? There are many opportunities for parents to get involved at our school. Opportunities to consider are:
- FSA (meetings, committees, events, Spirit Store)
- In individual classrooms (reading, tutoring, etc.)
- During lunch
- Athletics and athletic events (Coaching, concessions, gate admissions, etc.)
- Weekly School Mass Greeter
- School events (i.e. Middle School Dance planning and decorating, Advent Concert, field trips, International Day - Salute to America Show, 8th Grade graduation)
- Fundraising efforts (Pottery Jam, FSA sponsored Gala, Athletics)
- Uniform Closet
- Summer - distribution of classroom materials and supplies
Contact Mrs. Smith for more information (andrea.smith@sfcshhi.com). All parents must go through a background clearance through the Diocese of Charleston. Please contact the School Office for information on the background screening process. Together we can make a difference!
SFCS SPIRIT SHOP
Come check out the merchandise in our SFCS Spirit Store!
Debit and credit cards are accepted as well as checks made out to SFCS.
Please let the School Office know if you'd like to stop by the Spirit Store to shop.
FSA ISLAND DISCOUNT CARDS!
The Island Discount Card provides discounts at a variety of businesses on the Island. Each card is $25 or buy four get one free. Cards may be purchased from the School Office by check made out to SFCS or online through Hometown Ticketing. To purchase online, please click here SFCS ISLAND DISCOUNT CARDS. There is a small surcharge for processing when purchasing online. Thank you for supporting SFCS through the purchase of an Island Discount Card!
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten celebrated Fat Tuesday today with King cakes and masks! The students learned about the Roman Catholic origins of the celebration in preparation of the Lenten season. The children had a wonderful day and yummy dessert!
1ST GRADE
The 1st Grade enjoyed a pizza and ice cream party last week to celebrate being the class with the highest sales in the cookie dough fundraiser! The students had a great time!
5TH GRADE
Career Friday - Mr. Dunn
Mrs. Brewster’s 5th Grade Class welcomed Mr. Dunn. We learned about the fast-paced and exciting world of advertising. Mr. Dunn has worked with world recognized names – ESPN, NFL, the Grammys, and the City of Atlanta, just to name a few. Mr. Dunn stressed the importance of starting from the bottom up. Wherever your career path takes you, never hesitate to show your true work ethic. Pick up a broom, give a smile, compliment, or encouragement to someone. It will change their day and yours too! Thank you, Mr. Dunn, for sharing your time with the 5th Grade Class.
5th Grade Visits the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
Mrs. Brewster’s 5th Grade class visited the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, GA. This educational trip was taken in conjunction with the class cross-curricular novel study of Number the Stars, and social studies units on WWI and WWII. The class continues to pray for those who serve and protect our freedom.
Students made chocolate truffles, Palmiers and caramels for a delicious Valentine treat for their families!
HOUSES
St. Adjutor
St. Sebastian
St. Joan of Arc
St. Nicholas
HOUSE ATHLETIC COMPETITION
Last Thursday, the Middle School students came together and began their House competition season with an athletic competition. The Houses competed against each other in dodgeball. It was an exciting event as the middle school students defended their House by eliminating House members on the opposing teams one by one from the games. The rounds will continue this Thursday to see which Houses will play in the final. The first-place winner will receive 50 points towards the Trophy Cup and the second-place winner will receive 25 points. Stay tuned for the results! The competitions rotate between athletics, academics, and religion, with the last two categories set up similar to Jeopardy.
SFCS SPRING SPORTS MEETING - Thursday, February 22
There will be a parent meeting for SFCS spring sports on Thursday, February 22, at 6:00 p.m. in the gym. This year's spring sports will be girls' soccer, golf, and baseball. We hope to see you there!
🐴EQUESTRIAN - SFCS RIDING SHOW TEAM 🐴
Please check back for photos and important information.
⚾ BASEBALL⚾
Thank you to all who have turned in their participation forms. Please check back for important information and photos. Play ball!
🏀 BASKETBALL 🏀
**Please be sure to check your email for the most up to date information on practices and competitions.**
Basketball practice and playing schedule for the week of 2/19:
Tuesday, 2/20
Boys' Varsity practice, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Girls' Junior Varsity practice, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Boys' Junior Varsity practice, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Girls' Varsity - No practice today
Wednesday, 2/21
Girls' Varsity practice, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Boys' Varsity practice, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Girls' Junior Varsity practice, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, 2/22
Girls' Varsity practice, 3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Boys' junior varsity practice, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Teams will participate in the Diocesan tournament beginning Friday, February 23.
GIRLS SOCCER - Assistant Coach Needed
We are in need of a girls' assistant soccer coach for the spring season. If you have the time and are willing to volunteer to assist with coaching the SFCS girls, please contact the School Office. (843-681-6501). Thank you!
2023.2024 ATHLETIC SPONSORS
Thank you to our Athletic Sponsors for the 2023.24 academic year. We are grateful for your support!
Do you have any news about alumni from SFCS? If so, please contact Andrea Smith (andrea.smith@sfcshhi.com) with information to share. Please include the year of SFCS graduation.
St. Francis Catholic School, a ministry of St. Francis By the Sea Catholic Church, partners with several of the Parish ministries. Please refer to this section of the Weekly Howl for information and events of those ministries who have a partnership with our school.
Lent 2024 - "What Are You Searching For?"
The St. Francis by the Sea Church Lenten Mission Planning Committee has extended the opportunity for students at St. Francis Catholic School in grades 1st through 8th, to participate in a fun word search activity focusing on Lent. Once students complete the word search, their teacher will award them with a certificate for a free pass for their family to the St. Francis Lenten Parish Mission on February 25 - 28.
St. Francis Thrift Shop - Volunteer Opportunities
The St. Francis Thrift Shop is looking for volunteers to work in the store. Any amount of time you can give the SF Thrift Shop will fit your availability into a schedule. Interested volunteers should contact Eleanor Bell, Embell31@outlook.com.
St. Francis Catholic School
Email: school@sfcshhi.com
Website: sfcshhi.com
Location: 45 Beach City Rd, HHI, SC 29926
Phone: 843-681-6501
Facebook: facebook.com/sfcshhi